Specialized Bikes is calling the new S-Works Levo 4 X “the birth of Electric Overland.” Do you agree?
Like everything else, overlanding is changing, and one of the bigger shifts is that more and more backcountry travelers are looking at electric vehicles. And that trend is not limited to just the four-wheeled adventure rigs. Plenty of overlanders carry a bike with them; more and more of these bikes are e-bikes in recent years. Again, with extended range, less sweating, and arguably more fun, e-bikes have become immensely popular for recreation, commuting, and exploration in the last few years. Now, bicycle industry giant Specialized has debuted the S-Works Levo 4 X, an eMTB like no other, specifically geared towards extended off-road travel with racks for gear and more impressive features. They’re calling it “the birth of electric overland.” Do you agree?
At first glance, the Levo 4 X looks like a capable full-suspension mountain bike, albeit with some very interesting racks on it. Full suspension bikes have been around for decades, and some adventurous bikepackers even use them for extended trips in rough terrain, but the Levo 4 X brings more to the table. It’s purpose-built for supporting extended self-sufficient trips. The front and rear racks have a combined carrying capacity of nearly 50 lbs. Which is more than enough for camping gear, food, and water. Check out Specialized’s video below to see the Levo 4 X in action.
A powerful 850-watt motor with 111 Nm of torque is designed to help riders get through tough challenges, and the 840Wh battery is ready for prolonged adventures, providing four to five hours of riding range on electric power. That translates to 30-45 miles depending on the terrain and the weight of the rider plus gear. There’s also an optional 280Wh Range Extender that bumps total onboard capacity up to 1,120Wh. The S-Works Levo 4 X isn’t a one-size-fits-all eMTB. The MicroTune Assist systems available through the Specialized App let the rider fine-tune the Eco, Trail, and Turbo modes available on the bike so that the right balance between range and electric assist can be dialed in on the fly.
Of course, the bike boasts more performance features beyond the electric bits. It’s rocking what the bike world affectionately calls a mullet wheel setup with a 29-inch front tire and 27.5 inc in the back. This offers a good balance between the roll-over capability of the larger size while providing better geometry for a nimble ride on tight trails. The GENIE suspension shared with other high-end full-suspension bikes is fully adjustable. It makes sure the bike doesn’t bottom out, even when loaded with gear, and provides a comfortable ride even at high speeds over rocky trails.
Beyond the trail, the Levo 4 X could replace an automobile for plenty of rides when they’re headed to work, the grocery store, or even down to the beach with their surfboard. The combination of range, cargo room, and performance provides heaps of functionality across many use cases.
For overlanders, this bike opens up a lot of options. With the kind of range you could explore away from your main rig and base camp, even for an overnight trip. It’s capable of scouting even the toughest terrain, and in a pinch, if your rig is stuck or broken down, this new offering from Specialized could get you back to civilization. If you’re torn between exploring on two wheels or four, this could be a great addition to your loadout so you can get the wind on your face while putting down some trail miles without fully committing to an adventure moto. The S-Works Levo 4 X is available for $11,999, and if you’re looking for other options, the Levo range provides capable eMTBs across a variety of price points.
